New Film Adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" Reaches Cinemas
Director Georgia Oakley's "Sense and Sensibility" is a new adaptation of Jane Austen's 1811 novel, showing at Apollo Kino in Latvia since 22 October. It takes a more natural, less idealised approach than earlier versions.
"Sense and Sensibility" by British director Georgia Oakley is a new screen adaptation of the first novel published by English writer Jane Austen. In Latvia, it has been showing at Apollo Kino cinemas since 22 October. The story of two sisters, one guided by reason and the other by feeling, still raises the question of which should take priority in life.
Story and characters
The novel appeared in 1811 anonymously, with the cover saying only that it was written "by a lady". In Austen's time a woman's future was largely determined by family, property, inheritance rights and marriage, so love had to be reconciled with financial security.
The film centres on the Dashwood family. After their father's death, sisters Elinor, Marianne and Margaret lose the family estate along with their mother and move to more modest lodgings. Restrained Elinor is played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, impulsive Marianne by Esmé Creed-Miles. Elinor's storyline involves Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), while Marianne's centres on her encounter with John Willoughby (Frank Dillane).
Visual approach
Oakley builds the story in a more natural way, paying attention to everyday life such as gardening and chopping firewood once the servants are gone. Costume designer Grace Snell chose muted colours and flowing silhouettes. This is her first historical costume drama; she previously worked on "The Souvenir", "The Outrun" and "Pillion". The English landscape serves as part of the characters' inner world.
Comparison with the earlier version
The best-known earlier adaptation is Ang Lee's 1995 film starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. The new film runs two hours and 12 minutes. Its unhurried pace may feel slow to viewers expecting faster plot turns, but suits those who value the acting and period atmosphere.
